cookies

Make-Ahead Punch

I had a little dilemma. I needed to make punch for 150 people...and transport it...and keep it cold for several hours. I decided cute little bottles would be the way to go and thought, "the internets will have a great make-ahead recipe." I was not worried.

I was not worried until every "make-ahead" punch recipe I found included the last minute instructions of adding ginger ale. That's not make-ahead...that's "almost make-ahead." Plus, can you just picture me trying to pour just a bit of ginger ale to all of those little bottles? I sensed disaster.

So, here is the recipe I used. An amalgam and adaptation of many punch recipes minus the last-minute ginger ale/soft drink component.

PS...I apologize for the lack of pretty pictures. This was our first school function and I didn't want to be known as the crazy blog mom just yet. ;)

Make-Ahead Punch
{each batch fills approximately 18 bottles}

2 cups sugar
1 cup bottled lemon juice
1 cup hot water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 quart water
46 oz. can pineapple juice

In a large container, stir together the sugar, lemon juice, and hot water until the sugar is dissolved. Add in the remaining ingredients and stir. Chill for several hours. Stir (or shake, if bottled) before serving.

*if you wanted to add a splash of amaretto for an adult punch...it's not a bad thing. not bad at all.*

Sources:

Labels: beverages

Golden Kahlua Coladas

It's a holiday week (weekend?). These holidays that fall mid-week always confuse me.

No matter what you call it, a cocktail is definitely in order.

You have the necessities on hand, I trust...

These are the simplest of frozen drinks....perfect for a summer night when the sun has set, the heat has dissipated, and the humidity of the day has burned off. Ahh....summer nights. The only enjoyable part of summer, no?

Enjoy them in the heat of the day, too...just make them.

Golden Kahlua Coladas
{serves 2}

ingredients:
2 cups orange juice ice cubes
2 ounces Kahlua
2 ounces Amaretto
orange slices

First kids, you'll need what we called in the olden days, an "ice cube tray."

Once your orange juice is frozen, combine the 2 cups of cubes (approximately) with the Kahlua and Amaretto in a blender. Process until smooth.

Pour into glasses and garnish with an orange wheel.

Summer in a glass. Ahhh...

Labels: beverages, cocktails

I would be a Girl Scout if...

...if merit badges were given for watching What Not to Wear.

...if my fellow scouts were these ladies from the Girl Hunter weekend.
{Center: Eric, best guide ever. Left to Right: Kristan, Me (hi!), Shelly, Wendy, Angie, Cheryl, Georgia, Marla Top: Amy, Erica, Dara, Elana,Carrie, Lori}

...if s'mores had a more grown-up option, like these.

Just in case you're not the champagne type, you might want to make these S'mores Milkshakes for New Year's Eve.

They are super easy and you'll only need a few ingredients:

1. Chocolate Ice Cream

2. Godiva Liqueur

3. Fluffed Marshmallow Vodka (yes, there is such a thing.)

S'mores Milkshakes {for grown-ups only}
serves 2

3 cups chocolate ice cream
2 ounces Godiva chocolate liqueur
2 ounces Fluffed Marshmallow vodka
crushed graham crackers
mini Hershey cars

Chill one large, or 2 small glasses in the freezer.

Combine the ice cream, liqueur and vodka in a blender. Pulse until blended, pushing the ice cream down as needed.

Pour into the chilled glasses (if using a large glass, use 2 straws for sharing). Top with crushed graham crackers and a Hershey bar.

And this is...